Genesis 43:18

Genesis 43:18 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

But the brothers were frightened that they had been taken to Joseph’s house. “We have been brought here because of the silver that was returned in our bags the first time,” they said. “They intend to overpower us and take us as slaves, along with our donkeys.”

King James Version KJV

And the men were afraid, because they were brought into Joseph’s house; and they said, Because of the money that was returned in our sacks at the first time are we brought in; that he may seek occasion against us, and fall upon us, and take us for bondmen, and our asses.

American Standard Version ASV

And the men were afraid, because they were brought to Joseph’s house; and they said, Because of the money that was returned in our sacks at the first time are we brought in; that he may seek occasion against us, and fall upon us, and take us for bondmen, and our asses.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Now the men were full of fear because they had been taken into Joseph's house and they said, It is because of the money which was put back in our bags the first time; he is looking for something against us, so that he may come down on us and take us and our asses for his use.

Free Bible Version FBV

They were really worried that they were being taken to Joseph's house. “It's because of the money that was put in our sacks the first time we came,” they said to each other. “That's why we're being brought in—so he can accuse us and attack us! He'll make us his slaves and take our donkeys!”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Nowe when the men were brought into Iosephs house, they were afrayd, and sayd, Because of the money, that came in our sackes mouthes at the first time, are we brought, that hee may picke a quarrell against vs, and lay some thing to our charge, and bring vs in bondage and our asses.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and the men are afraid because they have been brought into the house of Joseph, and they say, 'For the matter of the money which was put back in our bags at the commencement are we brought in — to roll himself upon us, and to throw himself on us, and to take us for servants — our asses also.'

World English Bible WEB

The men were afraid, because they were brought to Joseph’s house; and they said, “Because of the money that was returned in our sacks the first time, we’re brought in; that he may seek occasion against us, attack us, and seize us as slaves, along with our donkeys.”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And the men were afraid, because they were brought into Joseph's house; and they said, Because of the money that was returned in our sacks at the first time, are we brought in; that he may seek occasion against us, and fall upon us, and take us for bond-men, and our asses.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And they being much afraid, said there one to another: Because of the money, which we carried back the first time in our sacks, we are brought in: that he may bring upon us a false accusation, and by violence make slaves of us and our asses.

Translation for Translators T4T

But they were afraid because he was taking them to Joseph’s house. They were thinking, “He is taking us here because of the silver that was put in our sacks the first time that we came here. While we are eating, he will have his servants attack us and seize us and cause us to become his slaves, and also take our donkeys.”

Plain English Version PEV

Then those men got frightened. They talked to each other, and they said, “You know, the last time we came here to Egypt country, we brought money with us, to buy food. But somebody put that money in our food bags, and then we took those food bags back home with us. We didn’t know that our money was in those bags. Now that man is going to say to us, ‘You mob stole that money.’ That’s the reason why he wants us at his house. Him and his men, they are going to attack us, and we will not be able to fight back, because they will be too strong for us. Then they will make us like prisoners, and we will have to work very hard for them. And they will take our donkeys too.”

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Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 43:18

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Genesis 43:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יִּֽירְא֣וּ הָֽ/אֲנָשִׁ֗ים כִּ֣י הֽוּבְאוּ֮ בֵּ֣ית יוֹסֵף֒ וַ/יֹּאמְר֗וּ עַל דְּבַ֤ר הַ/כֶּ֨סֶף֙ הַ/שָּׁ֤ב בְּ/אַמְתְּחֹתֵ֨י/נוּ֙ בַּ/תְּחִלָּ֔ה אֲנַ֖חְנוּ מֽוּבָאִ֑ים לְ/הִתְגֹּלֵ֤ל עָלֵ֨י/נוּ֙ וּ/לְ/הִתְנַפֵּ֣ל עָלֵ֔י/נוּ וְ/לָ/קַ֧חַת אֹתָ֛/נוּ לַ/עֲבָדִ֖ים וְ/אֶת חֲמֹרֵֽי/נוּ

וַ/יִּֽירְא֣וּ yârêʼ H3372 to fear Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

הָֽ/אֲנָשִׁ֗ים ʼîysh H376 man Art | N-mp

כִּ֣י kîy H3588 for Conj

הֽוּבְאוּ֮ bôwʼ H935 Lebo V-Hophal-Perf-3cp

בֵּ֣ית bayith H1004 place N-ms

יוֹסֵף֒ Yôwçêph H3130 Joseph N-proper

וַ/יֹּאמְר֗וּ ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

דְּבַ֤ר dâbâr H1697 Chronicles N-ms

הַ/כֶּ֨סֶף֙ keçeph H3701 silver Art | N-ms

הַ/שָּׁ֤ב shûwb H7725 to return Art | V-Qal

בְּ/אַמְתְּחֹתֵ֨י/נוּ֙ ʼamtachath H572 sack Prep | N-fp | Suff

בַּ/תְּחִלָּ֔ה tᵉchillâh H8462 beginning Prep | N-fs

אֲנַ֖חְנוּ ʼănachnûw H587 we Pron

מֽוּבָאִ֑ים bôwʼ H935 Lebo V-Hophal-Inf-c

לְ/הִתְגֹּלֵ֤ל gâlal H1556 to roll Prep | V-r-Inf-a

עָלֵ֨י/נוּ֙ ʻal H5921 upon Prep | Suff

וּ/לְ/הִתְנַפֵּ֣ל nâphal H5307 to fall Conj | Prep | V-Hithpael-Inf-a

עָלֵ֔י/נוּ ʻal H5921 upon Prep | Suff

וְ/לָ/קַ֧חַת lâqach H3947 to take Conj | Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

אֹתָ֛/נוּ ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM | Suff

לַ/עֲבָדִ֖ים ʻebed H5650 servant/slave Prep | N-mp

וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. Conj | DirObjM

חֲמֹרֵֽי/נוּ chămôwr H2543 donkey N-cp | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 43:18

וַ/יִּֽירְא֣וּ yârêʼ H3372 "to fear" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

This Hebrew word means to fear or revere, and is used to describe being afraid or standing in awe of something, like God's power. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of respect or reverence. In the KJV, it's translated as 'affright' or 'reverence'.

Definition: : frightening(DANGER) 1) to fear, revere, be afraid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fear, be afraid 1a2) to stand in awe of, be awed 1a3) to fear, reverence, honour, respect 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be fearful, be dreadful, be feared 1b2) to cause astonishment and awe, be held in awe 1b3) to inspire reverence or godly fear or awe 1c) (Piel) to make afraid, terrify 2) (TWOT) to shoot, pour

Usage: Occurs in 318 OT verses. KJV: affright, be (make) afraid, dread(-ful), (put in) fear(-ful, -fully, -ing), (be had in) reverence(-end), [idiom] see, terrible (act, -ness, thing). See also: Genesis 3:10; 1 Samuel 12:18; Psalms 3:7.

הָֽ/אֲנָשִׁ֗ים ʼîysh H376 "man" Art | N-mp

The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.

Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)

Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.

כִּ֣י kîy H3588 "for" Conj

A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.

Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.

הֽוּבְאוּ֮ bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" V-Hophal-Perf-3cp

This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.

Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter

Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.

בֵּ֣ית bayith H1004 "place" N-ms

The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.

Definition: nm place, origin, between

Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.

יוֹסֵף֒ Yôwçêph H3130 "Joseph" N-proper

Joseph means Jehovah has added, a name given to several Israelites, including the son of Jacob and Rachel. Joseph was a significant figure in the book of Genesis and the story of his brothers. He became a leader in Egypt.

Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Neh.12.14 § Joseph = "Jehovah has added" 1) the eldest son of Jacob by Rachel 2) father of Igal, who represented the tribe of Issachar among the spies 3) a son of Asaph 4) a man who took a foreign wife in the time of Ezra 5) a priest of the family of Shebaniah in the time of Nehemiah

Usage: Occurs in 193 OT verses. KJV: Joseph. Compare H3084 (יְהוֹסֵף). See also: Genesis 30:24; Genesis 47:5; Psalms 77:16.

וַ/יֹּאמְר֗וּ ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

דְּבַ֤ר dâbâr H1697 "Chronicles" N-ms

A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.

Definition: This name means word, speaking

Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.

הַ/כֶּ֨סֶף֙ keçeph H3701 "silver" Art | N-ms

Silver or money, often referring to payment or wealth, like the silver talents in Matthew 25. It can also describe silver as a valuable metal or ornament.

Definition: : money/payment/silver 1) silver, money 1a) silver 1a1) as metal 1a2) as ornament 1a3) as colour 1b) money, shekels, talents

Usage: Occurs in 343 OT verses. KJV: money, price, silver(-ling). See also: Genesis 13:2; Numbers 22:18; 2 Chronicles 1:17.

הַ/שָּׁ֤ב shûwb H7725 "to return" Art | V-Qal

This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.

Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back

Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.

בְּ/אַמְתְּחֹתֵ֨י/נוּ֙ ʼamtachath H572 "sack" Prep | N-fp | Suff

A sack refers to a flexible container, like a bag, used for carrying grain or other items. It is mentioned in the Bible as a common item used for storage and transport.

Definition: 1) sack, flexible container (for grain) 2) (TWOT) spread out

Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: sack. See also: Genesis 42:27; Genesis 43:23; Genesis 44:12.

בַּ/תְּחִלָּ֔ה tᵉchillâh H8462 "beginning" Prep | N-fs

In the Bible, this word means the start of something, like the beginning of a project or a new phase of life, as seen in Genesis and Psalms.

Definition: 1) beginning, first 1a) the first time 1b) from the beginning, in the beginning (with prep)

Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: begin(-ning), first (time). See also: Genesis 13:3; 2 Kings 17:25; Proverbs 9:10.

אֲנַ֖חְנוּ ʼănachnûw H587 "we" Pron

A Hebrew word for we or us, used for emphasis, like when Moses said we will follow God's commands, emphasizing the community's commitment.

Definition: we (first pers. pl. -usually used for emphasis)

Usage: Occurs in 115 OT verses. KJV: ourselves, us, we. See also: Genesis 13:8; 1 Chronicles 11:1; Psalms 20:8.

מֽוּבָאִ֑ים bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" V-Hophal-Inf-c

Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter

לְ/הִתְגֹּלֵ֤ל gâlal H1556 "to roll" Prep | V-r-Inf-a

The Hebrew word 'to roll' means to move something in a rolling motion, and it can be used literally or figuratively. It appears in various forms, such as rolling away or rolling down, and is used in different contexts throughout the Bible. This verb can also mean to flow down or to seek occasion.

Definition: 1) to roll, roll away, roll down, roll together 1a) (Qal) to roll 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to roll up 1b2) to flow down 1c) (Pilpel) to roll 1d) (Poal) to be rolled 1e) (Hithpoel) to roll oneself 1f) (Hithpalpel) to roll oneself 1g) (Hiphil) to roll away Aramaic equivalent: ge.lal (גְּלָל "great" H1560)

Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: commit, remove, roll (away, down, together), run down, seek occasion, trust, wallow. See also: Genesis 29:3; Psalms 22:9; Psalms 37:5.

עָלֵ֨י/נוּ֙ ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

וּ/לְ/הִתְנַפֵּ֣ל nâphal H5307 "to fall" Conj | Prep | V-Hithpael-Inf-a

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to fall, and it's used in many ways, like falling down, failing, or being defeated. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah. God's people often fell away from Him, but He always offered a way back.

Definition: : fall/drop/fail 1) to fall, lie, be cast down, fail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fall 1a2) to fall (of violent death) 1a3) to fall prostrate, prostrate oneself before 1a4) to fall upon, attack, desert, fall away to, go away to, fall into the hand of 1a5) to fall short, fail, fall out, turn out, result 1a6) to settle, waste away, be offered, be inferior to 1a7) to lie, lie prostrate 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to fall, fell, throw down, knock out, lay prostrate 1b2) to overthrow 1b3) to make the lot fall, assign by lot, apportion by lot 1b4) to let drop, cause to fail (fig.) 1b5) to cause to fall 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to throw or prostrate oneself, throw oneself upon 1c2) to lie prostrate, prostrate oneself 1d) (Pilel) to fall

Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: be accepted, cast (down, self, (lots), out), cease, die, divide (by lot), (let) fail, (cause to, let, make, ready to) fall (away, down, -en, -ing), fell(-ing), fugitive, have (inheritance), inferior, be judged (by mistake for H6419 (פָּלַל)), lay (along), (cause to) lie down, light (down), be ([idiom] hast) lost, lying, overthrow, overwhelm, perish, present(-ed, -ing), (make to) rot, slay, smite out, [idiom] surely, throw down. See also: Genesis 2:21; 1 Samuel 17:52; Esther 9:3.

עָלֵ֔י/נוּ ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

וְ/לָ/קַ֧חַת lâqach H3947 "to take" Conj | Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.

Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)

Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.

אֹתָ֛/נוּ ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM | Suff

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

לַ/עֲבָדִ֖ים ʻebed H5650 "servant/slave" Prep | N-mp

This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.

Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)

Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.

וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." Conj | DirObjM

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

חֲמֹרֵֽי/נוּ chămôwr H2543 "donkey" N-cp | Suff

The Hebrew word for a male donkey, it is translated as he ass in the KJV Bible. The name comes from the animal's reddish-brown color.

Definition: (he) ass

Usage: Occurs in 93 OT verses. KJV: (he) ass. See also: Genesis 12:16; Judges 6:4; Proverbs 26:3.

Study Notes — Genesis 43:18

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Genesis 43:18 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 43:18
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 43:18
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 43:18
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 43:18
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 43:18
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 43:18
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 43:18
Sermons on Genesis 43:18

Context — Joseph’s Hospitality to His Brothers

16When Joseph saw Benjamin with his brothers, he said to the steward of his house, “Take these men to my house. Slaughter an animal and prepare it, for they shall dine with me at noon.” 17The man did as Joseph had commanded and took the brothers to Joseph’s house.

18But the brothers were frightened that they had been taken to Joseph’s house. “We have been brought here because of the silver that was returned in our bags the first time,” they said. “They intend to overpower us and take us as slaves, along with our donkeys.”

19So they approached Joseph’s steward and spoke to him at the entrance to the house. 20“Please, sir,” they said, “we really did come down here the first time to buy food.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Genesis 42:35	As they began emptying their sacks, there in each man’s sack was his bag of silver! And when they and their father saw the bags of silver, they were dismayed.
2	Romans 7:8	But sin, seizing its opportunity through the commandment, produced in me every kind of covetous desire. For apart from the law, sin is dead.
3	Genesis 42:21	Then they said to one another, “Surely we are being punished because of our brother. We saw his anguish when he pleaded with us, but we would not listen. That is why this distress has come upon us.”
4	Deuteronomy 22:14	and he then accuses her of shameful conduct and gives her a bad name, saying, “I married this woman and had relations with her, but I discovered she was not a virgin.”
5	Job 15:21	Sounds of terror fill his ears; in his prosperity the destroyer attacks him.
6	Psalms 73:16	When I tried to understand all this, it was troublesome in my sight
7	Matthew 14:26–27	When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost!” they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus spoke up at once: “Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid.”
8	Mark 6:16	But when Herod heard this, he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has risen from the dead!”
9	Job 30:14	They advance as through a wide breach; through the ruins they keep rolling in.
10	Judges 13:22	“We are going to die,” he said to his wife, “for we have seen God!”

Genesis 43:18 Summary

This verse, Genesis 43:18, shows that the brothers of Joseph were very scared because they thought they were in trouble for the silver that was put in their bags the first time they met Joseph. They thought Joseph's household was planning to hurt them and make them slaves, which is why they were frightened. However, as we see in the rest of the story, God was in control, and Joseph's intentions were good, demonstrating the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty, as encouraged in Romans 8:28. We can learn from this verse to trust in God's plan, even when things seem scary or uncertain, and to have faith that He is working everything out for our good, as promised in Jeremiah 29:11.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why were the brothers frightened when they were taken to Joseph's house?

The brothers were frightened because they thought they were in trouble for the silver that was returned in their bags the first time, as mentioned in Genesis 43:18, and they feared being punished or enslaved, similar to the concerns expressed in Genesis 42:35.

What did the brothers think was the intention of Joseph's household?

The brothers believed that Joseph's household intended to overpower them and take them as slaves, along with their donkeys, as stated in Genesis 43:18, due to their past experiences and the unexpected turn of events.

How did the brothers' past experiences influence their perception of the situation?

The brothers' past experiences, including their first encounter with Joseph in Genesis 42:6-24, had led them to be cautious and fearful, as seen in Genesis 43:18, where they suspected that the returned silver was the reason for their summons to Joseph's house.

What can we learn from the brothers' reaction about faith and trust?

The brothers' reaction in Genesis 43:18 teaches us that faith and trust in God's sovereignty are essential, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6, where we are encouraged to trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding.

Reflection Questions

What are some times in my life when I have felt frightened or unsure of what the future holds, and how can I apply the lesson of trusting in God's sovereignty from Genesis 43:18?
How do I respond when I feel like I am in a situation that is beyond my control, and what can I learn from the brothers' reaction in Genesis 43:18?
What role does fear play in my decision-making process, and how can I replace fear with faith, as encouraged in 2 Timothy 1:7?
In what ways can I demonstrate trust in God's plan, even when the circumstances seem uncertain or frightening, as seen in Genesis 43:18?

Gill's Exposition on Genesis 43:18

And the men were afraid, because they were brought into Joseph's house,.... It not being usual, as Jarchi observes, for those that came to buy corn to lodge there, but at an inn in the city: and they

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 43:18

And the men were afraid, because they were brought into Joseph's house; and they said, Because of the money that was returned in our sacks at the first time are we brought in; that he may seek

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 43:18

Take us for bondmen, the proper punishment for thieves.

Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 43:18

Genesis 43:18 And the men were afraid, because they were brought into Joseph’ s house; and they said, Because of the money that was returned in our sacks at the first time are we brought in; that he may seek occasion against us, and fall upon us, and take us for bondmen, and our asses.Ver. 18. And the men were afraid.] Where no fear was; but that an ill conscience haunted them, and so "the sound of a shaken leaf" put them into a fright. As every body hath its shadow, so hath every sin its fear; and fear torment.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 43:18

Verse 18. And the men were afraid] A guilty conscience needs no accuser. Every thing alarms them; they now feel that God is exacting retribution, and they know not what the degrees shall be, nor where it shall stop. Fall upon us] התגלל עלינו hithgolel alainu, roll himself upon us. A metaphor taken from wrestlers; when a man has overthrown his antagonist, he rolls himself upon him, in order to keep him down. And our asses.] Which they probably had in great number with them; and which, if captured, would have been a great loss to the family of Jacob, as such cattle must have constituted a principal part of its riches.

Cambridge Bible on Genesis 43:18

18. seek occasion] Heb. roll himself upon us. Cf. Job 30:14. Joseph’s brethren suspect that this act of favour is part of a trap to put them off their guard, and then suddenly seize them on a false charge. Cf. LXX τοῦσυκοφαντῆσαιἡμᾶς = “to bring false charges against us”; Lat. ut devolvat in nos calumniam. The special mention of the “asses” is a lifelike touch.

Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 43:18

18. The men were afraid — Their cold and severe treatment on the former occasion filled them with a dread of Joseph, and they were predisposed to construe every thing that looked like danger into a

Sermons on Genesis 43:18

	Sermon	Description
	The Christian's Preservative by James Smith	James Smith preaches about the importance of the fear of God as a preservative against apostasy, highlighting how believers throughout history have found it to be a preventative to
	(Genesis) Genesis 42:29-38 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jacob and his sons in the land of Canaan. The brothers return to their father and tell him about their encounter with the man w
	Forward Ever, Backward Never! (Biography) by C.T. Studd	Greek Word Studies delves into the concept of 'aphorme,' which signifies a starting point or base of operations for an action to become possible. In the context of sin, 'aphorme' i
	Finishing the Course - 03 the Ministry of the Holy Spirit by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being free from the opinions of men and instead being open to the influence of the Holy Spirit. He highlights how in the Ol
	(Genesis) Genesis 42:19-24 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Joseph and his brothers from the book of Genesis. Joseph, who is now in a position of power in Egypt, tests his brothers to see
	Joseph Reminds Me of Jesus-05 by William MacDonald	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for people to give up their sins and choose Christ. He uses the analogy of chains of sin that bind individuals and urges them to ex
	Homily 3 on the Statues by St. John Chrysostom	John Chrysostom preaches about the departure of Flavian, Bishop of Antioch, on an embassy to the Emperor Theodosius, emphasizing the sacrifice and dedication of a true shepherd who